The DC Extended Universe’s Black Adam is set to expand the franchise’s horizons this October, and the likes of Blue Beetle and Batgirl will also be joining the franchise by 2023. However, the most popular team out of DC Comics has to be the Justice League. In addition to the main trio of Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, the league includes hundreds of other members.
Fans on Ranker have cast thousands of votes on the superheroes that have been part of the league across various media. These include movies, TV shows, video games, and more. Whether it’s the King of the Seas such as Aquaman or a street-level vigilante like Green Arrow, it’s interesting to see who Ranker voters have chosen as the cream of the crop.
Captain Marvel/Shazam
The popularity of Shazam has increased since his DCEU movie, which is when a lot of mainstream viewers first became familiar with the superhero. Captain Marvel, as he’s largely been known in the comics, has been a recurring member of the Justice League and has occasionally acted as its moral compass.
Billy Batson’s powers as Shazam have made him equivalent to Superman in ability and the wisdom he also receives has been instrumental in keeping the Justice League in check. His funloving ways have been a good source of entertainment, especially in stories that are otherwise grim.
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate has been part of many iterations of the Justice League, ranging from Justice League Dark, Justice Society of America, and Justice League International. Whether it’s Kent Nelson or his great-nephew Khalid Nassour behind the mask, Doctor Fate brings a powerful magical aspect to the league.
His abilities include flight, teleportation, dimensional traveling, invisibility, and even necromancy. However, Doctor Fate is favored mainly because of how wise he is. Unlike most of the league, Doctor Fate seeks to rehabilitate villains, not discriminating between good and evil. It’s his willingness to find the best in everyone that makes Doctor Fate so captivating.
Green Arrow
There are several facts about Green Arrow in the comics that have been adapted into mainstream media, such as his rich background and affiliation with the Justice League. While he’s not as involved as Bruce Wayne in the money-investing department, Green Arrow has kept the league grounded with his humanity contrasting the supremely powered members.
Green Arrow’s involvement has been similar to Shazam in that he’s kept around so he can remind the league that they’re supposed to help the people than just combating global threats. His snarky attitude and occasional brutality make Green Arrow a character that mature audiences love to follow.
Aquaman
Depending on the writer, Aquaman is either a valued part of the Justice League or something of an outsider who makes bad decisions for the Justice League because he only cares about his own people. Either way, Aquaman has long been associated with the group and is usually shown as a founding member.
His popularity has surged ever since Aquaman was shown as a gritty anti-hero in Justice League Unlimited, which is how Jason Momoa’s DCEU version was also portrayed. Aquaman’s control of the seas and the creatures within have made him among the most powerful members of the league.
Superman
While it’s probably not possible to avoid the cliches Superman is associated with in the comics like his absurdly long list of powers, the Man of Steel is easily the most worthy leader the Justice League can have. He’s the epitome of goodness in a person and tries his level best to never cross moral boundaries.
Superman could mow down enemies or subjugate the world itself, but he carries the Justice League on his back based on the values taught to him by his parents. Superman’s kindness and likable personality have made him the face of the Justice League that people look up to as a symbol of hope.
Martian Manhunter
J’onn J’onzz AKA the Martian Manhunter has been a thoroughly likable character who’s found a new family in the Justice League. He’s usually had a tragic backstory of losing his loved ones on Mars before using powers of telepathy and heightened abilities to aid the Justice League.
J’onn has been a wise member of the league who looks to keep things on a peaceful level rather than engage in unnecessary battles. His telepathic powers have been interpreted in different ways across media, but they have always been portrayed as a class apart and nearly impossible to overcome.
Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
There have been different people part of the Green Lantern Corps in the Justice League but none more notable than Hal Jordan. He’s been a mainstay in the league as well as a founding member. His personality has differed based on the writer, sometimes shown as arrogant and cocky while other times he can be straightforward and brooding.
Jordan’s use of the Power Ring is what makes him so appealing, as his boundless imagination has conjured magnificent creations from the ring. No matter how he might be portrayed, Jordan gets the job done and is relentless in his pursuit of justice, and is appropriately a high-ranking member of the league.
Wonder Woman
At a time when the comic book landscape was dominated by male heroes, Wonder Woman turned out to be a massive exception to become a leading superhero. She’s considered among the three core members of the Justice League alongside Batman and Superman, and has taken up a leadership role on many occasions.
Wonder Woman’s Amazonian heritage has led to many bold choices on her part, with the character pushing the league to make aggressive decisions. Her inherent abilities qualify her as a heavy-hitter for the group, with Wonder Woman usually leading the charge against the villains.
The Flash
There’s no distinction between Barry Allen's or Wally West’s Flash on Ranker, so both characters can be considered the best. Barry is the more level-headed of the two, capable of making rational decisions but also carrying an easygoing quality that makes him an approachable personality. While he's not generally depicted as the main leader of the Justice League, he's definitely responsible.
Wally’s generally the more naive and innocent character, but his presence is important because the league considers him the heart of the team. The Flash is arguably the most powerful member when his extreme speed is taken into consideration, as the superhero can turn back time, go into different universes, and finish off enemies in barely a second if he wanted to.
Batman
Batman is usually seen as the most popular DC Universe character overall, so it’s no surprise he tops the list for the Justice League. Batman is the brains and benefactor behind the entire team, funding the group through Wayne Enterprises and drawing up their strategies against their foes.
Despite being the founding member without powers, Batman can intimidate the strongest characters out there through the fear factor he commands. His enduring stand against corruption and refusal to take lives has led to the Justice League itself adopting this rule, with the group never considered truly complete when Batman isn’t around.